Budgeting Topics

There are many details and a staggering number of issues one needs to keep in mind when creating a budget. Before this point, you have read the script multiple times, made many notes, broken the script and created a preliminary schedule and/or One Line. Creating a budget is a task which can be overwhelming to the beginner (don't worry even veterans can get overwhelmed every-so-often too). This section reviews various techniques, formats and other general information.

"Awesome site, but... where are some sample budgets?"

Not here. While there are some limited benefits to looking at other budgets and copying info, I feel this is not the best way to truly learn. Understanding how a budget is built will much better prepare you when creating your own. Knowing what to look for and how to think is the best way to start formulating your own projects' plans. If you know what questions to ask (of yourself and others) when breaking down a script and thinking about the challenges of the project, you'll be able to start filling in the needed details of the budget and overall production plan. This is the essence of LineProducing.com and my personal philosophy about being a great Line Producer / UPM. Besides, your project is different than any other project in the history of entertainment. Two $25M films are not the same simply due to the fact they both cost $25M. No projects are alike looking at the details.